Living the Placebo Effect
Friday, April 4th, 2008
“My company mascot is the bumblebee. Because of its tiny wings and heavy body, aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly. But the bumblebee doesn’t know that, so it flies anyway.” – Mary Kay Ash of Mary Kay Cosmetics
According to my Webster’s New World Dictionary, circa 1963; the definition of the word placebo is: a medicine given just to humor a patient. I know what you’re probably thinking, “You need to spring for a new dictionary.” 
After reading that antiquated interpretation of the word, I would have to agree.
Over four decades ago, Webster’s dictionary seemed to also be humoring its readers (right along side most doctors) as it published a definition laced with a hint of mockery. Forty five years later modern medicine has realized there is validity to the placebo effect, beyond placation, but it’s not much closer to respectfully embracing it.
(Read the rest of Living the Placebo Effect…)
